Senior health tips, facts and other information
Health tip of the month
Mail your 2010 Census information back so we can move forward.
- It’s easy: It has only 10 questions.
- It’s important: Many Senior programs are determined by the count.
- It’s safe: By law, the Census Bureau cannot share your answers with anyone.
For more information go to 2010.census.gov 
Every day, you have a chance to make good choices about your health. There are many ways you
can incorporate healthy activity into your day. Sometimes it's just knowing a little more about
your health; sometimes it's finding out new information that makes a difference.
Here are some basic health tips that you can start practicing today.
Previous health tips
Get relief from depression
- Depression is not a normal part of aging.
- It is a medical condition like diabetes or heart disease.
- It should not be kept secret – tell your doctor.
- It can be treated with medications, talk therapy, increased activity or a combination.
- It is one of the most treatable illnesses; 80-90% find relief.
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Stay safe in winter weather
Older adults can loose body heat fast:
- Don’t turn your heat down lower than 65 degrees.
- Wear loose layers of clothing starting with long underwear or cuddle duds – the air between layers helps keep you warm.
- Use a hat, scarf and gloves or mittens when going outside. You lose a lot of heat from your head and neck.
- Talk to your doctor about any health problems and medications that can make cold weather a special problem for you.
- Ask friends and family to check on you during cold weather.
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Don’t FALL!
The CYCLE of falling:
- STARTS with a fear of falling
- which LEADS to decreased activity
- which LEADS to decreased strength and endurance
- which LEADS to increased risk of falling
- which INCREASES the fear of falling
And starts the cycle AGAIN.
Break the cycle of falling - NOT your bones.
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Get your flu shot.
Remember to get your seasonal flu shot as soon as possible, and stay informed about the H1N1 flu.
For information, check the City website often at: www.ci.bloomington.mn.us, and search with keywords H1N1 or with flu shots.
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Take charge of your medications.
- Monitor your own health and well-being.
- Know your goals for:
- Cholesterol
- Blood pressure
- Blood sugars
- Others
- Keep track of your results.
- Ask questions – talk with your doctor, pharmacist, and/or nurse.
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Food: Keep it clean to keep it safe.
- Clean hands and food contact surfaces before preparing, cooking, or eating food.
- Rinse fruits and vegetables with clean water before cooking or serving.
- Use separate, clean cutting boards for produce and meats to avoid cross contamination.
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Get fresh! (fruits and vegetables)
Looking for a good place to get fresh fruits and vegetables? Try your local farmer's
market.
The Bloomington Farmer's Market is open from June 13-October 10 (excluding July 4). It is
located at Civic Plaza, and the hours are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To find another location, look on the Internet here
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Exercise 30 minutes most days of the week
Get strong, energetic, and healthy. Choose an exercise that is fun so you'll do it regularly:*
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Walking
Alone or with friends, outside or inside (your apartment hall or the mall)
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Swimming
Easy on painful joints
-
Bicycling
A a great outdoor exercise
-
Playing with grandchildren
Get your heart rate up
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Dancing
Take classes with spouse and go on weekends
-
Gardening
Active hobbies are a great way to use your muscles
* Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.
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Safe driving for seniors
To drive safely, seniors must take measures to decrease the risks of age-related changes. Some
of these are:
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Changes in hearing, vision, flexibility, and reaction time.
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Side effects of medications - commonly drowsiness and blurred vision.
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It takes less alcohol to impair driving ability because of less body water.
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Be aware of urinary tract infections
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is often called a bladder infection.
In older people, symptoms of a UTI may include:
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Confusion
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Agitation
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Restlessness
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Decreased level of consciousness
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Lethargy
-
Falls
If you or a loved one has some of these symptoms, talk to a doctor about the possibility of a
urinary tract infection.
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Take care of your heart
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See your doctor regularly.
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Get your blood pressure checked.
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Get your cholesterol checked.
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Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
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Get some exercise - 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.
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Take your medications as prescribed.
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The sunshine vitamin
Many people don't get enough of it: Vitamin D.
Too little Vitamin D can lead to muscle and bone weakness. It's also is a risk factor for high
blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Are you getting enough? Only your doctor can tell for sure.
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For more information, contact:
Bloomington Public Health Division
1900 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431
PH: 952-563-8900 V/TTY
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Interpreters and transportation information are available upon request.
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